Vidic Sets the Scene

Our captain, Nemanja Vidic, should return for his first Premier League start since the opening day of the season this afternoon.

Side-lined by a calf problem, Vidic made his comeback in midweek in the Champions League, but was red-carded for a high tackle.

His experience and rugged defensive ability, should be an asset to United this afternoon as City try to stamp their authority on what promises to be a classic encounter.

Ahead of the clash, Vidic has se the scene and also likened it to one of the Belgrade derbies he`s so accustomed to, commenting to the media,

"This is a derby between the two top teams in the English league."

"It would be ridiculous if you weren`t excited by it."

"The whole world is looking forward to United against City, not just Manchester and not just the rest of England."

"The Manchester derby reminds me of when Red Star play Partizan."

"That match is a contest of passion and you know that if you come out on top, then you have taken a big step towards winning the league."

"It is the same in Manchester. When you have a club near by who have made big signings, put a lot of money in and reached the Champions League, you want to react."

"The last few derbies have been very close and at the end of the game I have felt physically and mentally exhausted."

"When I think of the Manchester games, I remember Scholsey`s header to win it in the last minute at City, Michael Owen scoring with the last kick at Old Trafford and then there was Rooney with that volley."

"It always seems to be decided by one incredible goal or brilliant piece of skill. It shows you how close the teams are now."

"It will be the same this time because they have incredible players too. You have to respect City with the players they have."